MTA's Prendergast picks Bianco as next NYCT president

Carmen Bianco has been named president of MTA New York City Transit (NYCT), Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast announced yesterday.

A 30-year transportation industry veteran, Bianco has been serving as NYCT's acting president since April, after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo named Prendergast to his current post.

Bianco is the seventh person to serve as NYCT president since the title was created in 1980. Previously, he served as senior vice president of NYCT's subway department, overseeing the entire subway system since 2010.

"Carmen is a leader with lengthy mass transit and railroad career experience," said Prendergast in a prepared statement. "He understands the issues, is an advocate for the customer and will remain someone the employees can depend upon for support."

Bianco is credited with leading the subway system through MTA's response to the devastation caused late last year by Hurricane Sandy, which flooded tunnels, inundated stations and washed out tracks in what MTA officials have described as the most devastating event ever to strike the subway system. He oversaw immediate efforts to pump out water and make round-the-clock emergency repairs; construction work to restore damaged service areas; and long-term planning to prevent future flooding, MTA officials said.

"While there are great challenges ahead, I know I am supported by the finest team in the mass transit industry," Bianco said. "Together, we will continue to improve the travel experience for our 7.5 million daily subway, bus, paratransit and Staten Island Railway customers."

Bianco's prior experience also includes a stint as president of NYCT's Department of System Safety from 1991 to 1995, and senior safety positions at Amtrak and New Jersey Transit.